Best Bets
 The Spartans
This exciting program charts the rise and fall of Sparta, the ancient city that was home to one of history's most extreme civilizations. Set against the magnificent landscape and archaeology of Greece, the program examines this fascinating society from all angles: its unique social system, its battle-hardened citizens, and the intense rivalry with Athens that ultimately led to its demise.
Wednesday, August 6 at 8 p.m.
 A Bluegrass Bonanza
WHYY celebrates this uniquely American musical tradition with two specials featuring some of world's best bluegrass artists. All-Star Bluegrass Celebration II features new performances from such legends as Ralph Stanley and today's standouts, including Alison Krauss + Union Station and Nickel Creek. In the Great Performances special "The Three Pickers: Legends of American Music," Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and Ricky Skaggs take the stage together for the first time to celebrate the unique "three-finger style" of playing their instruments.
Sunday, August 10 beginning at 4 p.m.
 Celebrate Life!
WHYY's Wider Horizons presents an evening of inspirational programs about growing older. The film Surfing for Life introduces 10 surfing pioneers, ranging in age from 60 to 93 years old, who are challenging common stereotypes about the aging process. The P.O.V. film Sweet Old Song profiles 91-year-old musician Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, who faces life's challenges with humor and the love of his 60-year-old wife Barbara Ward.
Tuesday, August 12 beginning at 9 p.m.
 Elton John at the Royal Opera House
Backed by a full orchestra and 30-voice choir, Sir Elton John performs some of his most popular hits, including "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Your Song," in this gala benefit concert for his alma mater, Great Britain's Royal Academy of Music. John reminisces about his days as a student and treats the audience to some of his more recent songs, such as "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore."
Thursday, August 14 at 9 p.m.
Read more about Elton John.
 Long Live "The King"
WHYY remembers Elvis Presley, who died 26 years ago today, with two specials. The program He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley celebrates "The King of Rock 'n' Roll's" love of gospel music through vintage video footage and interviews. In Elvis Forever, rare performance clips and exclusive interviews chronicle Presley's remarkable life and career, revealing the man behind the myth.
Saturday, August 16 beginning at 8 p.m.
 Do It Yourself!
In the This Old House special, master carpenter Norm Abram takes viewers on a tour of the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. to explore a subject he knows a little something about: the do-it-yourself movement in America. Abram also shares classic segments from This Old House and recalls some of his family's personal experiences with home repair.
Thursday, August 21 at 9 p.m.
 A Century of Black Cinema
This engaging program takes a historic look at black cinema and the considerable contributions of African-Americans to the film industry. Spanning a variety of genres, the program features an extensive collection of clips, from the turn-of-the-20th century God's Step Children to Spike Lee's 1986 film She's Gotta Have It and includes interviews with such prominent actors as Eddie Murphy, Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover.
Saturday, August 23 at 11 p.m.
 Defiant Requiem
In this unique concert program, the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera Chorus honor the strength of the human spirit under the most unthinkable conditions by re-creating a production of Giuseppi Verdi's Requiem, as it was performed by prisoners in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. The words and music are accented with dramatic re-enactments, archival film footage and interviews with camp survivors.
Wednesday, August 27 at 8 p.m.
 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries
The detective duo of Thomas Lynley (Nathaniel Parker) and Barbara Havers (Sharon Small) returns to solve four new cases in this Mystery! series based on the best-selling books by Elizabeth George. In "Well-Schooled in Murder," the suave, sophisticated Lynley and his decidedly working-class colleague Havers must put aside their differences as they track down a killer who is terrorizing students at an elite boarding school.
Sunday, August 31 at 9 p.m.
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